Each year, approximately 250,000 Ethiopians choose to migrate, with many opting for irregular routes over traditional legal pathways. This shift reflects a growing disillusionment with local opportunities, particularly for the youth, who make up around 70% of Ethiopia’s population. As the country grapples with high unemployment rates, particularly among young people in urban areas, the quest for a better life leads many to perilous journeys.
The urban youth unemployment rate reached 25.3% in 2022, highlighting the challenges faced by graduates who struggle to find meaningful employment. Historically, completing education and securing a civil service position was a respected and rewarding path. However, as educational access has improved, the perceived value of a degree has diminished in the face of limited job prospects.
Understanding the Migration Trends
Irregular migration has become a tragic reality for many Ethiopians. In the first half of 2025, over 350 migrants tragically lost their lives attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, with a particularly devastating incident on August 3 claiming around 102 lives, most of whom were Ethiopian. These statistics underscore the urgent need to address the root causes driving migration.
Research by Girmachew Adugna, an expert in Ethiopian migration, indicates that the motivations for leaving the country are complex and multifaceted. Factors include limited job opportunities, ongoing conflict in regions such as Amhara, and strict legal migration regulations that often deter potential migrants. The temporary ban on legal migration to Gulf countries from late 2013 to early 2018 further entrenched irregular migration patterns, leading many to seek unsafe routes.
Factors Driving Migration
The reasons behind Ethiopia’s migration trend are deeply rooted in socio-economic challenges. Many young people feel a sense of hopelessness regarding their futures, often influenced by family and societal pressures. In some communities, having a family member abroad is seen as a status symbol, pushing more individuals toward the idea of migrating.
Ongoing conflict and instability in areas like Oromia and Tigray have compounded these pressures. Young people face a stark dilemma: join armed conflicts or seek safety elsewhere. The lack of accessible public services and opportunities only adds to the urgency of migration.
Legal migration pathways remain limited, with stringent requirements such as ID cards, passports, and health certificates that are often difficult to obtain. High costs, particularly for passports, push many toward irregular migration, where they face significant dangers. The existing bilateral agreements with Gulf countries primarily cover domestic work, which mainly employs women and does not reflect the diverse skills of the Ethiopian workforce.
The routes taken by migrants have become increasingly perilous. The eastern route, which involves crossing the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia through Yemen, is notably dangerous, having claimed thousands of lives since 2014. The International Organisation for Migration has recorded over 76,524 migrant deaths globally, with more than 1,098 fatalities occurring along the eastern route to Yemen.
Proposed Solutions for Change
To stem the tide of migration, Ethiopia must enhance economic opportunities at home. This includes expanding prospects in agriculture, industry, and services while supporting skills training and entrepreneurship. Access to basic services in rural areas is also crucial for creating a sustainable environment where young people can thrive.
In addition to fostering local employment, legal migration pathways need significant expansion. Ethiopia’s current agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait primarily focus on domestic work. Learning from the Philippines, which has secured labour agreements with over 30 countries covering a broader range of opportunities, Ethiopia could diversify the types of jobs available to its citizens abroad.
Efforts to streamline legal migration processes are essential. Making these pathways time-efficient and accessible would reduce the appeal of irregular options. Moreover, comprehensive awareness initiatives at the household and community levels could empower individuals to make informed decisions about migration.
The pressing issue of migration from Ethiopia requires urgent attention. By addressing the underlying economic and social challenges, the country can create an environment that retains its youth and provides them with sustainable opportunities for the future.
Girmachew Adugna, who has studied Ethiopian migration for over a decade, emphasizes that without substantial policy changes, the trend of irregular migration is likely to persist, leading to further tragedies.
